Women call for greater support to stabilise conflict hotspots in Eastern Equatoria

Women’s groups in Eastern Equatoria State are calling for increased government and development partner support to address insecurity and strengthen peace efforts in conflict-affected communities.

The appeal brings together the Mothers’ Voice for Peace movement and women’s associations operating in Budi, Kapoeta East, Torit and Ikotos counties, as well as the Kidepo Valley Administrative Area, with support from Root of Generations (ROG).

The groups have been leading community peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts by mobilising residents, engaging traditional leaders and youth groups, and promoting dialogue to address recurring insecurity and intercommunal violence.

Dorong Grace, Executive Director of Root of Generations, says women are conducting preliminary consultations to prepare for peace dialogues within and between neighbouring counties.

However, she says women-led groups cannot shoulder the responsibility for peacebuilding without stronger government involvement and coordinated support from development partners.

“We need stronger government engagement and coordinated partner support to address the root causes of conflict and stabilize affected communities,” Grace said.

The efforts are being supported through the Incorporation of Local Perspectives into the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (iWPS) initiative.

The initiative is supported by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), funded by GIZ and implemented by Saferworld and ROG.

Grace called for sustained investment in community-led peace initiatives, saying peace requires continuous engagement, reconciliation and commitment to peaceful coexistence.

ROG is also calling for expanded community peace dialogues, stronger early warning and response mechanisms, improved livelihood opportunities, and greater participation of women and youth in peace and security decision-making.